A survey of a mixed species aviary provides new insights into the pathogenicity, diversity, evolution, host range, and distribution of psittacine and passerine adenoviruses

Author(s)

Phalen, David N. ^[1] ; Agius, Jessica ^[1] ; Vaz, Frederico F. ^[2] ; Eden, John-Sebastian ^{[3, 4]} ; Setyo, Laura C. ^[1] ; Donahoe, Shannon ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sydney, Fac Sci, Sydney Sch Vet Sci, Sydney, NSW - Australia

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Vet Med & Anim Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sydney, Sydney Med Sch, Sydney, NSW - Australia

^[4] Westmead Inst Med Res, Ctr Virus Res, Westmead, NSW - Australia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: AVIAN PATHOLOGY; v. 48, n. 5 JULY 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

A Bourke's parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii) originating from an aviary in Australia, containing two species of parrots, five species of finch and a species of dove, was presented for necropsy. The Bourke's parrot died from gastritis caused by Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, but also had an interstitial nephritis and ureteritis with adenovirus-like inclusion bodies within collecting duct epithelial cells. The adenovirus causing the lesions was shown to be Psittacine adenovirus-2 (PsAdV-2) using a PCR assay specific for adenoviruses and sequencing of amplicons. A survey of droppings from other birds in the aviary using the same PCR assay with amplicon sequencing found a high prevalence of infection of PsAdV-2 in Bourke's and scarlet-chested parrots (Neophema splendida). PsAdV-2 was also present in droppings from a Namaqua dove (Oena capensis). Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), red-billed firefinches (Lagonosticta senegala), and red-throated parrot finches (Erythrura psittacea) were shedding Gouldian finch adenovirus-1 (GFAdV-1). Two novel adenoviruses, an atadenovirus and a siadenovirus, were detected in the droppings from long-tailed finches (Poephila acuticauda). Kidney tissue from three of four scarlet-chested parrots submitted for necropsy from a second aviary were also positive for PsAdv-2. These findings and previously reported findings of widespread PsAdv-2 infection in captive orange-bellied parrots (Neophemia chrysogaster) raise the possibility that PsAdV-2 is enzootic in Australian aviculture. This represents the first report of GFAdV-1 in Australia and first identification of infection in finch species other than the Gouldian finch. Identification of two novel adenoviruses in long-tailed finches suggests that other novel adenoviruses are circulating in other finch species. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/19092-6 - Investigation into the diversity and distribution of adenoviruses in wild and cage birds in Australia
• Grantee: Frederico Fontanelli Vaz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate